Chalcogenide-based memory architecture

ABSTRACT

A memory cell can include a chalcogenide material configured in an annular shape or a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing an interior conductive channel. Such memory cells can be included in memory structures having an interior conductive channel and a plurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers oriented along the interior conductive channel. Individual memory layers can include a chalcogenide material substantially circumscribing the interior conductive channel.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation (and claims the benefit of priorityunder 35 U.S.C. § 120) of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/219,324, filed onDec. 13, 2018 and entitled CHALCOGENIDE-BASED MEMORY ARCHITECTURE. Thedisclosure of the prior Application is considered part of and isincorporated by reference in the disclosure of this Application.

BACKGROUND

Chalcogenide materials have properties that invite their use in a numberof applications such as ovonic threshold switches and phase changememory (PCM). For example, different physical states of the chalcogenidematerial can have different levels of electrical resistance. As onespecific example, one state of a chalcogenide material, such as anamorphous state, can have a high electrical resistance, while anotherstate, such as a crystalline state, can have a low electricalresistance. Different levels of electrical resistance can be used tostore information (e.g. a plurality of memory states). Once theinformation is stored, the information can be read by detecting theelectrical resistance of the material. The fact that each state persistsonce fixed makes chalcogenide materials valuable in non-volatile memory(NVM) structures and devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of a memory cell, in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view along line A-A′ of the memorycell illustrated in FIG. 1A, in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a memory structure, inaccordance with and example embodiment;

FIG. 3A illustrates a memory device, in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3B illustrates a first level of the memory device of FIG. 3A, inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3C illustrates a second level of the memory device of FIG. 3A, inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3D illustrates a third level of the memory device of FIG. 3A, inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3E illustrates a fourth level of the memory device of FIG. 3A, inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3F illustrates the general directionality of the electricalconnections between individual memory cells and corresponding decodersof the memory device of FIG. 3A, in accordance with an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 4 illustrates a plan view of a computing system, in accordance withand example embodiment;

FIGS. 5A-5N are cross-sectional views of steps in a method ofmanufacturing a memory structure, in accordance with an exampleembodiment; and

FIGS. 6A-6K are cross-sectional views of steps in another method ofmanufacturing a memory structure, in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Although the following detailed description contains many specifics forthe purpose of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that many variations and alterations to the following detailscan be made and are considered to be included herein. Accordingly, thefollowing embodiments are set forth without any loss of generality to,and without imposing limitations upon, any claims set forth. It is alsoto be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific termsused herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

As used in this written description, the singular forms “a,” “an” and“the” include express support for plural referents unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise and vice versa. Thus, for example, referenceto “a memory cell” includes a plurality of such memory cells andreference to “bitlines” includes a single bitline.

In this application, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and“having” and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S.Patent law and can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and aregenerally interpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of”or “consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components,structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction withsuch terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law.“Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have themeaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular,such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowinginclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, orelements, that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith.For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affectingthe compositions nature or characteristics would be permissible ifpresent under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though notexpressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. Whenusing an open ended term, like “comprising” or “including,” in thiswritten description it is understood that direct support should beafforded also to “consisting essentially of” language as well as“consisting of” language as if stated explicitly and vice versa.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that any termsso used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such thatthe embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operationin sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.Similarly, if a method is described herein as comprising a series ofsteps, the order of such steps as presented herein is not necessarilythe only order in which such steps may be performed, and certain of thestated steps may possibly be omitted and/or certain other steps notdescribed herein may possibly be added to the method.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,”“under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, areused for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describingpermanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms soused are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that theembodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation inother orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as directly or indirectlyconnected in an electrical or nonelectrical manner. “Directly coupled”objects or elements are in physical contact with one another and areattached. Objects described herein as being “adjacent to” each other maybe in physical contact with each other, in close proximity to eachother, or in the same general region or area as each other, asappropriate for the context in which the phrase is used.

Occurrences of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one aspect,”herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment or aspect.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to the complete ornearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property,state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is“substantially” enclosed would mean that the object is either completelyenclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree ofdeviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on thespecific context. However, generally speaking the nearness of completionwill be so as to have the same overall result as if absolute and totalcompletion were obtained. The use of “substantially” is equallyapplicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the completeor near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state,structure, item, or result. For example, a composition that is“substantially free of” particles would either completely lackparticles, or so nearly completely lack particles that the effect wouldbe the same as if it completely lacked particles. In other words, acomposition that is “substantially free of” an ingredient or element maystill actually contain such item as long as there is no measurableeffect thereof.

As used herein, the term “about” is used to provide flexibility to anumerical range endpoint by providing that a given value may be “alittle above” or “a little below” the endpoint. Unless otherwise stated,use of the term “about” in accordance with a specific number ornumerical range should also be understood to provide support for suchnumerical terms or range without the term “about”. For example, for thesake of convenience and brevity, a numerical range of “about 50angstroms to about 80 angstroms” should also be understood to providesupport for the range of “50 angstroms to 80 angstroms.” Furthermore, itis to be understood that in this specification support for actualnumerical values is provided even when the term “about” is usedtherewith. For example, the recitation of “about” 30 should be construedas not only providing support for values a little above and a littlebelow 30, but also for the actual numerical value of 30 as well.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be expressed orpresented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such arange format is used merely for convenience and brevity and thus shouldbe interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical valuesexplicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include allthe individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within thatrange as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. Asan illustration, a numerical range of “about 1 to about 5” should beinterpreted to include not only the explicitly recited values of about 1to about 5, but also include individual values and sub-ranges within theindicated range. Thus, included in this numerical range are individualvalues such as 2, 3, and 4 and sub-ranges such as from 1-3, from 2-4,and from 3-5, etc., as well as 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, individually.

This same principle applies to ranges reciting only one numerical valueas a minimum or a maximum. Furthermore, such an interpretation shouldapply regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristicsbeing described.

Reference throughout this specification to “an example” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in an example” in various places throughoutthis specification are not necessarily all referring to the sameembodiment.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below andspecific embodiments are then described in further detail. This initialsummary is intended to aid readers in understanding the technologicalconcepts more quickly, but is not intended to identify key or essentialfeatures thereof, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

In traditional phase change memory (PCM) cells, different physicalstates of the PCM material can have different levels of electricalresistance. For example, one state, such as an amorphous state, can havea high electrical resistance, while another state, such as a crystallinestate, can have a low electrical resistance. The different levels ofelectrical resistance between the amorphous and crystalline states canbe used to store information (e.g. a plurality of memory states).

In some additional examples, chalcogenide-based memory cells can operateon a somewhat different principle of operation. For example, applying apositive or negative pulse at a particular voltage to the chalcogenidematerial can cause the threshold voltage of the chalcogenide material tochange. In some cases, a particular programming pulse can produce a highvoltage threshold state and an opposite polarity programming pulse canbe used to produce a low voltage threshold state. The difference involtage threshold between various states (e.g. a set state and a resetstate, or vice versa) can be used to store different programmed statesand can be defined as a programming window of the chalcogenide-basedmemory cell. This type of memory material or element can be referred toas a polarity-based memory material or element.

In either case, there is an increasing demand for higher density memorystructures. However, actually achieving high density memory structuresis not trivial. For example, in some cases, it can be challenging toachieve good component symmetry and structural integrity in higherdensity memory structures due to the complexity of the fabricationprocesses employed, the disparities in material characteristics for thevarious memory components formed, and the increasingly small sizes ofindividual memory components. The present disclosure describes memorycells, structures, devices, and systems, and associated methods ofmanufacturing, that can address these issues.

Additionally, in the present disclosure, it is noted that whendiscussing the various memory cells, structures, devices, systems, andmethods, each of these discussions can be considered applicable to eachof these examples, whether or not they are explicitly discussed in thecontext of that example. Thus, for example, in discussing details aboutthe memory cells per se, such discussion also refers to the memorystructures, memory devices, computing systems, and associated methods,and vice versa. Furthermore, discussion of a chalcogenide materialrefers to both the principle of phase change (e.g. amorphous andcrystalline structures) as well as to movement and concentration of ionsin the material and further to other chemical or physical properties orbehavior that can be advantageously utilized for specific purposes undera given set of conditions.

In further detail, memory cells can include a chalcogenide materialconfigured in an annular shape or a chalcogenide material configured tosubstantially circumscribe an interior conductive material. One exampleof a memory cell 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B. It is noted thatFIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view along line A-A′ of the memorycell 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A.

As previously discussed, the memory cell 100 includes a chalcogenidematerial 110 configured in an annular shape. A variety of shapes can beconsidered annular with respect to the present disclosure. For example,annular shapes can include circular, elliptical, polygonal, or othersuitable shapes that resemble or approach an annular shape. In someexamples, the chalcogenide material may not have an annular shape, butcan merely substantially circumscribe an interior conductive material120. In still further examples, the chalcogenide material may notsubstantially circumscribe the interior conductive material 120. Wherethis is the case, the chalcogenide material can be disposed on oppositesides of the interior conductive material 120, or otherwise disposedabout the interior conductive material 120 to maintain functionality ofthe memory cell 100.

A variety of chalcogenide materials can be used in the memory cellsdescribed herein. In some examples, the chalcogenide material caninclude germanium, antimony, tellurium, silicon, nickel, gallium,arsenic, silver, tin, gold, lead, bismuth, indium, selenium, oxygen,sulphur, nitrogen, carbon, yttrium, scandium, the like, or a combinationthereof. In some examples, the chalcogenide material can include atleast one of selenium (Se), arsenic (As), tellurium (Te), silicon (Si),germanium (Ge), yttrium (Y), indium (In), scandium (Sc), antimony (Sb),or the like. In some additional examples, the chalcogenide material caninclude Te and/or Se. In some examples, the chalcogenide material caninclude In, Y, Sc, or a combination thereof. In some specific examples,the chalcogenide material can include Si, Te, Se, As, Ge, or acombination thereof. In some examples, the chalcogenide material caninclude each of Si, Te, As, and Ge. In some other examples, thechalcogenide material can include each of Si, Se, As, and Ge. In somefurther examples, the chalcogenide material can include Si, Te, As, Ge,and In. In still other examples, the chalcogenide material can includeSi, Te, As, Ge, and Y. In yet other examples, the chalcogenide materialcan include Si, Te, As, Ge, and P. In additional examples, thechalcogenide material can include Si, Se, As, Ge, and In. In otherexamples, the chalcogenide material can include Si, Se, As, Ge, and Y.In still other examples, the chalcogenide material can include Si, Se,As, Ge, and P. In some further examples, the chalcogenide material canbe a chalcogenide glass or an amorphous chalcogenide material. In yetsome additional examples, the chalcogenide material can be configured aspolarity-based memory element. Thus, in some examples, the memory cellsdescribed herein can be polarity-based memory cells. In other examples,the chalcogenide material can include Ge—Te, In—Se, Sb—Te, Ge—Sb, Ga—Sb,In—Sb, As—Te, Al—Te, Ge—Sb—Te, Te—Ge—As, In—Sb—Te, In—Se—Te, Te—Sn—Se,Ge—Se—Ga, Bi—Se—Sb, Ga—Se—Te, Sn—Sb—Te, In—Sb—Ge, Te—Ge—Sb—S,Te—Ge—Sn—O, Te—Ge—Sn—Au, Pd—Te—Ge—Sn, In—Se—Ti—Co, Ge—Sb—Te—Pd,Ge—Sb—Te—Co, Sb—Te—Bi—Se, Ag—In—Sb—Te, Ge—Sb—Se—Te, Ge—Sn—Sb—Te,Ge—Te—Sn—Ni, Ge—Te—Sn—Pd, Ge—Te—Sn—Pt, or the like. The hyphenatedchemical composition notation, as used herein, indicates the elementsincluded in a particular mixture or compound, e.g., chalcogenide alloy,and is intended to represent all stoichiometries involving the indicatedelements, e.g., Ge_(X)Sb_(Y)Te_(Z) having variations in stoichiometries,such as Ge₂Sb₂Te₅, Ge₂Sb₂Te₇, Ge₁Sb₂Te₄, Ge₁Sb₄Te₇, etc., to form agradient. In some additional examples, the chalcogenide alloy can bedoped, such as with indium, yttrium, scandium, boron, nitrogen, oxygen,the like, or a combination thereof.

As described above, in some examples, the chalcogenide material 110 cansubstantially circumscribe an interior conductive material 120. In someadditional examples, the interior conductive material 120 can extendabove and/or below the chalcogenide material 110 to form an interiorconductive channel. In some specific examples, the interior conductivematerial 120 can be configured as a wordline.

The interior conductive material can include a variety of suitablematerials. Generally, the interior conductive material can include anymaterial having an electrical resistance of less than 100 μOhm-cm thatis suitable for use in the methods of manufacturing described herein. Insome examples, the interior conductive material can include copper (Cu),carbon (C), tungsten (W), tungsten carbide (WC), graphene, diamond-likecarbon (DLC); aluminum (Al), aluminum copper alloy (AlCu), tungstennitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalum nitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold(Au), titanium nitride (TiN), titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titaniumaluminum nitride (TiAlN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), ruthenium (Ru),ruthenium nitride (RuN), the like, or a combination thereof. In somespecific examples, the interior conductive material can include W.

In some additional examples, an interior electrode material 130 can bepositioned between the chalcogenide material 110 and the interiorconductive material 120. In some examples, the interior electrodematerial 130 can substantially circumscribe the interior conductivematerial 120. In some further examples, the interior electrode material130 can be configured in an annular shape.

The interior electrode material can generally include any suitablematerial that is a good electrical conductor and that can minimize orprevent cross-contamination between the chalcogenide material and theinterior conductive material. Typically, the interior electrode materialcan have an electrical resistance of from about 100 μOhm-cm to about 10mOhm-cm. In some examples, the interior electrode material can includeone or more conductive or semiconductive materials. Non-limitingexamples can include carbon (C), carbon nitride (C_(x)N_(y)), n-dopedpolysilicon, p-doped polysilicon, metals (e.g. Al, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Ru,Rh, Pd, Ag, Pt, Au, Ir, Ta, and W, for example), conductive metalnitrides, (e.g. TiN, TaN, WN, and TaCN, for example) conductive metalsilicides (e.g. tantalum silicides, tungsten silicides, nickelsilicides, cobalt silicides, and titanium silicides, for example),conductive metal silicides nitrides (e.g. TiSiN and WSiN, for example),conductive metal carbide nitrides (e.g. TiCN and WCN, for example),conductive metal oxides (e.g. RuO₂, for example), the like, or acombination thereof.

Memory cell 100 can also include an exterior conductive material 140. Insome examples, the exterior conductive material 140 can substantiallycircumscribe the chalcogenide material 110. In some further examples, aportion 142 of the exterior conductive material 140 can be configured inan annular shape. In yet further examples, the exterior conductivematerial 140 can also include oppositely disposed protruding portions144 a, 144 b extending outwardly in opposite directions from the annularportion 142 of the exterior conductive material 140. In some specificexamples, the exterior conductive material 140 can be configured as anexterior conductive channel. In some additional specific examples, theexterior conductive material 140 can be configured as a bitline.

The exterior conductive material can include a variety of suitablematerials. Generally, the exterior conductive material can include anymaterial having an electrical resistance of less than 100 μOhm-cm thatis suitable for use in the methods of manufacturing described herein. Insome examples, the exterior conductive material can include copper (Cu),carbon (C), tungsten (W), tungsten carbide (WC), graphene, diamond-likecarbon (DLC); aluminum (Al), aluminum copper alloy (AlCu), tungstennitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalum nitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold(Au), titanium nitride (TiN), titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titaniumaluminum nitride (TiAlN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), ruthenium (Ru),ruthenium nitride (RuN), the like, or a combination thereof. In somespecific examples, the exterior conductive material can include W.

In some further examples, memory cell 100 can include an exteriorelectrode material 150 between the exterior conductive material 140 andthe chalcogenide material 110. In some examples, the exterior electrodematerial 150 can substantially circumscribe the chalcogenide material110. In some further examples, the exterior electrode material 150 canbe configured in an annular shape.

The exterior electrode material can generally include any suitablematerial that is a good electrical conductor and that can minimize orprevent cross-contamination between the chalcogenide material and theexterior conductive material. Typically, the exterior electrode materialcan have an electrical resistance of from about 100 μOhm-cm to about 10mOhm-cm. In some examples, the exterior electrode material can includeone or more conductive or semiconductive materials. Non-limitingexamples can include carbon (C), carbon nitride (C_(x)N_(y)), n-dopedpolysilicon, p-doped polysilicon, metals (e.g. Al, Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, Ru,Rh, Pd, Ag, Pt, Au, Ir, Ta, and W, for example), conductive metalnitrides, (e.g. TiN, TaN, WN, and TaCN, for example) conductive metalsilicides (e.g. tantalum silicides, tungsten silicides, nickelsilicides, cobalt silicides, and titanium silicides, for example),conductive metal silicides nitrides (e.g. TiSiN and WSiN, for example),conductive metal carbide nitrides (e.g. TiCN and WCN, for example),conductive metal oxides (e.g. RuO₂, for example), the like, or acombination thereof.

While not expressly illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B for the sake of brevityand clarity, memory cell 100 can include a variety of additionalmaterials. For example, in some cases, a lamina material can bepositioned between the chalcogenide material and the interior electrodematerial, between the chalcogenide material and the exterior electrodematerial, or both. The lamina material can facilitate good adhesionbetween the chalcogenide material and surrounding electrode materials orcan otherwise facilitate a good electrical connection between thechalcogenide material and surrounding electrode materials. The laminamaterial can include a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples caninclude tungsten, tantalum, titanium, other refractory metals,refractory metal nitrides, refractory metal silicides, refractory metalcarbides, refractory metal borides, metal oxides, the like, or acombination thereof. Other suitable materials can also optionally beincluded in the memory cells described herein, such as select device(SD) materials (which can generally include the same material types asdescribed with reference to the chalcogenide materials), additionalelectrode materials, other suitable materials, or a combination thereof.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1A-1B, memory cell 100 has a planar architectureand is oriented in a common layer around interior conductive material120. This can facilitate fabrication of multiple decks having goodelectrical symmetry. Further, because each of the memory cell componentscan be formed in a common layer, the memory cell can also have goodstructural integrity.

For example, a memory structure 201 is illustrated in FIG. 2 having aninterior conductive channel 220 and a plurality of alternatingdielectric layers 205 and memory layers 200 a-200 e along the conductivechannel. Each of the memory layers 200 a-200 e can represent anindividual memory cell in memory structure 201 that substantiallycircumscribes the conductive channel 220 at different positions along aheight or length 221 thereof. For example, individual memory layers 200a-200 e can generally include the same features as described withrespect to memory cell 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B or other memorycells described herein. Thus, 200 a can represent a first level memorycell in a first memory layer, 200 b can represent second level memorycell in a second memory layer, 200 c can represent a third level memorycell in a third memory layer, 200 d can represent a fourth level memorycell in a fourth memory layer, 200 e can represent a fifth level memorycell in a fifth memory layer, etc. Although not expressly represented inFIG. 2, any suitable number of memory layers can be included inindividual memory structures 201. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the memorystructure 201 can have a high degree of symmetry due to the planararchitecture of the individual memory layers 200 a-200 e.

The individual memory layers can be formed between dielectric layers 205to electrically isolate individual memory layers. A variety of suitabledielectric materials can be used to form these insulating dielectriclayers. Non-limiting examples can include silicon oxide, siliconnitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, undoped silicon, the like,or a combination thereof.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, a plurality of memory structures 301can be arranged in columns and rows on a substrate 362 to form a memoryarray 305 of a memory device 303. Individual memory structures 301 cangenerally include the same features as described with respect to memorystructure 201 illustrated in FIG. 2 or other memory structures describedherein. For example, individual memory structures 301 can include aninterior conductive channel and alternating dielectric layers and memorylayers (See FIG. 2, for example) positioned along a length or heightthereof.

In further detail, the memory device 303 can include an array of memorystructures, or memory cells where only a single memory layer isemployed. Individual memory cells or memory structures can beelectrically coupled to respective interior conductive channels (e.g. asingle interior conductive channel associated with each respectivememory structure 301, or memory cell where only a single memory layer isemployed). With respect to FIG. 3A, individual interior conductivechannels are oriented in a direction extending into and out of the page(See FIG. 1A, for example). A plurality of memory cells can be orientedalong a length or height of individual interior conductive channels (SeeFIG. 2, for example). Thus, individual memory structures 301 can includea first level memory cell (e.g. 201 a, for example), a second levelmemory cell (e.g. 201 b, for example), and as many other levels ofmemory cells as is suitable and desirable. Individual first level memorycells can be aligned across the memory array in a first memory layer,individual second level memory cells can be aligned across the memoryarray in a second memory layer, and so forth. Accordingly, individualfirst level memory cells can substantially circumscribe or otherwiseelectrically couple to individual interior conductive channels at thefirst memory layer, individual second level memory cells cansubstantially circumscribe or otherwise electrically couple toindividual interior conductive channels at the second memory layer, andforth. In some examples, individual memory structures 301 can beelectrically isolated by dielectric material.

An interior conductive channel decoder can be electrically coupled toindividual interior conductive channels. In some specific examples, theinterior conductive channel decoder can be configured as a wordlinedecoder. In some examples, the interior conductive channel decoder canbe positioned beneath the memory array 305 and within the perimeter ofthe memory array 305. Thus, in some examples, the substrate 362 caninclude an interior conductive channel decoder, the interior conductivechannel decoder can be placed beneath substrate 362, or feature 362 canrepresent an interior conductive channel decoder or set of decoders. Itis noted that positioning the interior conductive channel decoderbeneath the memory array 305 can help maximize economy of space for thememory device 303 design. This configuration is facilitated by theplanar architecture of individual memory cells oriented along a lengthor height of individual interior conductive channels.

The memory device 303 can also include a first level decoder 360 aelectrically coupled to first level memory cells, a second level decoder360 b electrically coupled to second level memory cells, a third leveldecoder 360 c electrically coupled to third level memory cells, a fourthlevel decoder 360 d electrically coupled to fourth level memory cells,and so forth. In some examples, these decoders can be electricallycoupled to the exterior conductive channel of individual memory cells.In other words, in some examples, these decoders can be exteriorconductive channel decoders. In some specific examples, these decoderscan be configured as bitline decoders.

In some further examples, as illustrated in FIG. 3A, the first leveldecoder 360 a, the second level decoder 360 b, the third level decoder360 c, the fourth level decoder 360 d, etc. can be positioned exteriorto and about a perimeter of the memory array 305. It is noted that theplanar architecture of individual memory cells oriented along respectiveinterior conductive channels can allow these decoders to be positionedabout the perimeter of the memory array 305 while the interiorconductive channel decoder(s) can be positioned within the perimeter andbeneath the memory array 305 to maximize economy of space for the memorydevice 303.

In some specific examples, the first level decoder can include decodercomponents 360 a, 360 a′, the second level decoder can include decodercomponents 360 b, 360 b′, the third level decoder can include decodercomponents 360 c, 360 c′, the fourth level decoder can include decodercomponents 360 d, 360 d′, and so forth. In some further examples, theseparate decoder components at each level (e.g. 360 a, 360 a′) can beoppositely disposed about the perimeter of the memory array. This canallow individual decoder lines or electrical connections to be formed ina common direction across the memory array at each level. To furthermaximize economy of space for the memory device 303, first level decoder360 a, 360 a′ can electrically couple in a first direction to firstlevel memory cells, second level decoder 360 b, 360 b′ can electricallycouple in a second direction to second level memory cells, and so forthup to four different directions, after which the pattern can berepeated. While it is possible to use more than four differentdirections of electrical coupling, it is considered that four differentdirections provide good utilization of space around the perimeter of thememory array 305 and an efficient manner by which individual memorycells can be intercepted by respective decoders. With this in mind,other suitable numbers of electrical coupling directions can be employedas desired.

This is further exemplified in FIGS. 3B-3E. For example, FIG. 3Billustrates a first level of memory cells 300 a of memory array 305.First level decoder components 360 a, 360 a′ can be electricallyconnected to individual first level memory cells 300 a in a firstdirection. Similarly, FIG. 3C illustrates a second level of memory cells300 b of memory array 305. Second level decoder components 360 b, 360 b′can be electrically connected to individual second level memory cells300 b in a second direction, which, in this particular example, istransverse to the first direction. FIG. 3D illustrates a third level ofmemory cells 300 c of memory array 305. Third level decoder components360 c, 360 c′ can be electrically connected to individual third levelmemory cells 300 c in a third direction. Likewise, FIG. 3E illustrates afourth level of memory cells 300 d of memory array 305. Fourth leveldecoder components 360 d, 360 d′ can be electrically connected toindividual fourth level memory cells 300 d in a fourth direction, which,in this particular example, is transverse to the third direction. Thesequence can then be repeated beginning at the fifth level of memorycells. It is noted that the particular order of the sequence ofelectrical coupling directions illustrated in FIGS. 3B-3E is notrequired. Other suitable sequences of electrical coupling directions canalso be employed.

FIG. 3F illustrates the general directionality of the electricalcoupling patterns of individual decoders to memory cells at differentlevels of the memory array. As can be seen, some electrical couplingdirections can be offset by a first angle 364 a. First angle 364 a cangenerally be an angle of from about 40° to about 50°, from about 42° toabout 48°, or about 45°. Some other coupling directions can be offset bya second angle 364 b. Second angle 364 b can generally be an angle offrom about 80° to about 100°, from about 85° to about 95°, or about 90°.It is to be understood that when measuring angles between differentelectrical coupling directions, the angles refer to the smallest anglesbetween individual electrical coupling directions.

In some examples, a memory device as described herein can be included ina computing system. In one aspect, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a computingsystem 490 can include a motherboard 491 and a memory device 403 asdescribed herein that is operably coupled to the motherboard 491. Insome additional examples, a computing system 490 can include a processor492, a radio 494, a heat sink 495, a port 496, a slot 493, an additionalmemory device (not shown), or any other suitable device or component,which can be operably coupled to the motherboard 491. The computingsystem 490 can comprise any type of computing system, such as a desktopcomputer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, a wearabledevice, a server (e.g. a local data storage server, a cloud storageserver, or the like), etc. Other embodiments need not include all of thefeatures specified in FIG. 4, and may include alternative features notspecified in FIG. 4.

Circuitry used in electronic components or devices (e.g. a die) of amemory device can include hardware, firmware, program code, executablecode, computer instructions, and/or software. Electronic components anddevices can include a non-transitory computer readable storage mediumwhich can be a computer readable storage medium that does not includesignal. In the case of program code execution on programmable computers,the computing systems recited herein may include a processor, a storagemedium readable by the processor (including volatile and non-volatilememory and/or storage elements), at least one input device, and at leastone output device. Volatile and non-volatile memory and/or storageelements may be a RAM, EPROM, flash drive, optical drive, magnetic harddrive, solid state drive, or other medium for storing electronic data.Node and wireless devices may also include a transceiver module, acounter module, a processing module, and/or a clock module or timermodule. One or more programs that may implement or utilize anytechniques described herein may use an application programming interface(API), reusable controls, and the like. Such programs may be implementedin a high level procedural or object oriented programming language tocommunicate with a computer system. However, the program(s) may beimplemented in assembly or machine language, if desired. In any case,the language may be a compiled or interpreted language, and combinedwith hardware implementations.

The present disclosure also describes various methods of manufacturing amemory structure. Generally, methods of manufacturing a memory structurecan include forming a plurality of alternating dielectric layers andmemory layers and forming an interior conductive channel through theplurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers. Individualmemory layers can include a chalcogenide material substantiallycircumscribing the interior conductive channel, or otherwiseelectrically coupled to the interior conductive channel.

One example of a method of manufacturing a memory structure isillustrated in FIGS. 5A-5N. In further detail, FIG. 5A illustrates anexterior conductive material layer 540 formed on a substrate 507. Theexterior conductive material layer 540 can be formed by chemical vapordeposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layerdeposition (ALD), or the like. The exterior conductive material layercan comprise a variety of suitable conductive materials, such as thosedescribed elsewhere herein with respect to the exterior conductivematerial. The thickness of the exterior conductive material layer, andsubsequent materials, can be tailored to achieve a desired density forthe memory cell.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, a mask 570 a can be used to pattern (e.g.using photolithography, for example) and remove a portion of theexterior conductive material layer to form an exterior electrode recess551. The portion of the exterior conductive material layer can beremoved using dry etching, wet etching, the like, or a combinationthereof. The mask 570 a can include silicon nitride or other materialsuitable for a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process.Generally, each of the masks described herein can include the same typesof materials, though it is not necessary to use the same material foreach mask. In some specific examples, the same material can be used foreach of the masks employed in a particular embodiment of the methods ofmanufacturing described herein.

Turning to FIG. 5C, the mask 570 a can be removed and an exteriorelectrode material 550 can be formed in the exterior electrode recess551. The exterior electrode material 550 can comprise a variety ofsuitable materials, such as those described elsewhere herein. Theexterior electrode material 550 can be formed using CVD, PVD, ALD, orthe like. As further illustrated in FIG. 5D, the exterior electrodematerial 550 can be planarized (e.g. using chemical mechanicalplanarization (CMP)) to remove excess material. In some examples, theexterior conductive material layer 540 can substantially circumscribethe exterior electrode material 550.

As represented in FIG. 5E, a second mask 570 b can be used to pattern(e.g. using photolithography, for example) the existing materials andremove a portion of the exterior electrode material 550 to form achalcogenide recess 511. The portion of the exterior electrode material550 can be removed using dry etching, wet etching, the like, or acombination thereof.

Turning to FIG. 5F, the second mask 570 b can be removed and achalcogenide material 510 can be formed in the chalcogenide recess 511.The chalcogenide material 510 can comprise a variety of suitablematerials, such as those described elsewhere herein. The chalcogenidematerial 550 can be formed using CVD, PVD, ALD, or the like. As furtherillustrated in FIG. 5G, the chalcogenide material 550 can be planarized(e.g. using CMP) to remove excess chalcogenide material. In someexamples, the exterior electrode material 550 can substantiallycircumscribe the chalcogenide material 510.

As represented in FIG. 5H, a third mask 570 c can be used to pattern(e.g. using photolithography, for example) the existing materials andremove a portion of the chalcogenide material 510 to form an interiorelectrode recess 531. The portion of the chalcogenide material 510 canbe removed using dry etching, wet etching, the like, or a combinationthereof.

Turning to FIG. 5I, the third mask 570 c can be removed and an interiorelectrode material 530 can be formed in the interior electrode recess531. The interior electrode material 530 can comprise a variety ofsuitable materials, such as those described elsewhere herein. Theinterior electrode material 530 can be formed using CVD, PVD, ALD, orthe like. As further illustrated in FIG. 5J, the interior electrodematerial 530 can be planarized (e.g. using CMP) to remove excessmaterial. In some examples, the chalcogenide material layer 510 cansubstantially circumscribe the interior electrode material 530. FIG. 5Jcan generally represent a memory layer, having an exterior conductivematerial 540, an exterior electrode material 550, a chalcogenidematerial 510, and an interior electrode material 530, formed on asubstrate 507.

As represented in FIG. 5K, a dielectric layer 505 can be formed onmemory layer or first level memory cell 500 a. A variety of suitabledielectric materials can be used to form dielectric layer 505, such asthose described elsewhere herein. The dielectric layer 505 can be formedusing CVD, PVD, ALD, or the like. Dielectric layer 505 can then becomethe substrate for the next memory layer and the process can be repeatedto achieve a suitable and desirable number of memory layers or levels ofmemory cells.

For example, FIG. 5L illustrates a pre-cursor memory structure includinga plurality of memory layers 500 a-500 e individually positioned betweendielectric layers 505. As illustrated in FIG. 5M, an interior conductivechannel trench 522 can be formed through the plurality of memory layers500 a-500 e and dielectric layers 505. More specifically, the interiorconductive channel trench 522 can be formed through the interiorelectrode material 530 of individual memory layers 500 a-500 e andadjacent dielectric material. Thus, removed portions of interiorelectrode material 530 from individual memory layers 500 a-500 e canform individual segments of the interior conductive channel trench 522.Further, in some examples, individual memory layers 500 a-500 e can besubstantially symmetrical about the interior conductive channel trench522. The interior conductive channel trench 522 can be formed using dryetching, wet etching, the like, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 5N, the interior conductive channel trench 522can be filled in with interior conductive channel material to form aninterior conductive channel 520. The interior conductive channel 520 canbe formed of a variety of suitable materials, such as those describedelsewhere herein. The interior conductive channel 520 can be formed by avariety of suitable processes, including CVD, PVD, and the like.

Another method of manufacturing a memory structure is illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6K. In further detail, FIG. 6A illustrates an exteriorconductive material layer 640 formed on a substrate 607. The exteriorconductive material layer 640 can be formed by CVD, PVD, ALD, or thelike. The exterior conductive material layer 640 can comprise a varietyof suitable conductive materials, such as those described elsewhereherein with respect to the exterior conductive material.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, a mask 670 a can be used to pattern (e.g.using photolithography, for example) and remove a portion of theexterior conductive material layer 640 to form a chalcogenide recess612. The portion of the exterior conductive material layer 640 can beremoved using dry etching, wet etching, the like, or a combinationthereof.

Turning to FIG. 6C, the mask 670 a can be removed and a chalcogenidematerial 610 can be formed in the chalcogenide recess 512. Thechalcogenide material 610 can comprise a variety of suitable materials,such as those described elsewhere herein. The chalcogenide material 610can be formed using CVD, PVD, ALD, or the like. As further illustratedin FIG. 6D, the chalcogenide material 610 can be planarized (e.g. usingCMP) to remove excess material. In some examples, the exteriorconductive material layer 640 can substantially circumscribe thechalcogenide material 610.

Turning to FIG. 6E, a second mask 670 b can be used to pattern (e.g.using photolithography, for example) the existing materials and removeportions of the chalcogenide material 610 to form an exterior electroderecess 652 and a separate interior electrode recess 632. The portions ofthe chalcogenide material 610 can be removed using dry etching, wetetching, the like, or a combination thereof.

Turning to FIG. 6F, the second mask 670 b can be removed and anelectrode material 635 can be formed in the exterior electrode recess652 and the separate interior electrode recess 632. Thus, in someexamples, the exterior electrode material and the interior electrodematerial can be formed simultaneously or contemporaneously. Theelectrode material 635 can comprise a variety of suitable materials,such as those described elsewhere herein with respect to the exteriorelectrode materials and interior electrode materials. The electrodematerial 635 can be formed using CVD, PVD, ALD, or the like. As furtherillustrated in FIG. 6G, the electrode material 635 can be planarized(e.g. using CMP) to remove excess material and separate the exteriorelectrode material 650 and interior electrode material 630. In someexamples, the exterior electrode material 650 can substantiallycircumscribe the chalcogenide material 610. In some additional examples,the chalcogenide material 610 can substantially circumscribe theinterior electrode material 630. FIG. 6G can generally represent amemory layer, having an exterior conductive material 640, an exteriorelectrode material 650, a chalcogenide material 610, and an interiorelectrode material 630, formed on a substrate 507. Further, the methodillustrated in FIGS. 6A-6G can arrive at an equivalent structure asillustrated in FIG. 5J using one less mask.

As represented in FIG. 6H, a dielectric layer 605 can be formed onmemory layer or first level memory cell 600 a. A variety of suitabledielectric materials can be used to form dielectric layer 605, such asthose described elsewhere herein. The dielectric layer 605 can be formedusing CVD, PVD, ALD, or the like. Dielectric layer 605 can then becomethe substrate for the next memory layer and the process can be repeatedto achieve a suitable and desirable number of memory layers or levels ofmemory cells.

For example, FIG. 6I illustrates a pre-cursor memory structure includinga plurality of memory layers 600 a-600 e individually positioned betweendielectric layers 605. As illustrated in FIG. 6J, an interior conductivechannel trench 622 can be formed through the plurality of memory layers600 a-600 e and dielectric layers 605. More specifically, the interiorconductive channel trench 622 can be formed through the interiorelectrode material 630 of individual memory layers 600 a-600 e andadjacent dielectric material. Thus, removed portions of interiorelectrode material 630 from individual memory layers 600 a-600 e canform individual segments of the interior conductive channel trench 622.Further, in some examples, individual memory layers 600 a-500 e can besubstantially symmetrical about the interior conductive channel trench622. The interior conductive channel trench 622 can be formed using dryetching, wet etching, the like, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 6K, the interior conductive channel trench 622can be filled in with interior conductive channel material to form aninterior conductive channel 620. The interior conductive channel 620 canbe formed of a variety of suitable materials, such as those describedelsewhere herein. The interior conductive channel can be formed by avariety of suitable processes, including CVD, PVD, and the like.

EXAMPLES

In one example, there is provided a memory cell, comprising achalcogenide material configured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory cell, the chalcogenide material comprisesgermanium, antimony, tellurium, silicon, nickel, gallium, arsenic,silver, tin, gold, lead, bismuth, indium, selenium, oxygen, sulphur,nitrogen, carbon, yttrium, scandium, and combinations thereof.

In one example of a memory cell, the memory cell further comprises aninterior conductive material substantially circumscribed by thechalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory cell, the interior conductive materialcomprises tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalumnitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride (TiN),titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN),molybdenum nitride (MoN), or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory cell, the interior conductive material isconfigured as a wordline.

In one example of a memory cell, the memory cell further comprises aninterior electrode material between the chalcogenide material and theinterior conductive material.

In one example of a memory cell, the interior electrode materialcomprises carbon, carbon nitride, doped polysilicon, a metal, aconductive metal nitride, a conductive metal silicide, or a combinationthereof.

In one example of a memory cell, the interior electrode materialsubstantially circumscribes the interior conductive material.

In one example of a memory cell, the interior electrode material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory cell, the memory cell further comprises anexterior conductive material substantially circumscribing thechalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory cell, the exterior conductive materialcomprises tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalumnitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride (TiN),titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN),molybdenum nitride (MoN), or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory cell, the exterior conductive material isconfigured as a bitline.

In one example of a memory cell, the memory cell further comprises anexterior electrode material between the exterior conductive material andthe chalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory cell, the exterior electrode materialcomprises carbon, carbon nitride, doped polysilicon, a metal, aconductive metal nitride, a conductive metal silicide, or a combinationthereof.

In one example of a memory cell, the exterior electrode materialsubstantially circumscribes the chalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory cell, the exterior electrode material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example, there is provided a memory structure, comprising aninterior conductive channel and a plurality of alternating dielectriclayers and memory layers oriented along the interior conductive channel,individual memory layers comprising a chalcogenide materialsubstantially circumscribing the interior conductive channel.

In one example of a memory structure, the interior conductive channelcomprises tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalumnitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride (TiN),titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN),molybdenum nitride (MoN), or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory structure, the interior conductive channel isconfigured as a wordline.

In one example of a memory structure, individual dielectric layerscomprise silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, siliconcarbide, undoped silicon, or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory structure, the chalcogenide materialcomprises germanium, antimony, tellurium, silicon, nickel, gallium,arsenic, silver, tin, gold, lead, bismuth, indium, selenium, oxygen,sulphur, nitrogen, carbon, yttrium, scandium, and combinations thereof.

In one example of a memory structure, the chalcogenide material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory structure, individual memory layers furthercomprise an interior electrode material between the chalcogenidematerial and the interior conductive channel.

In one example of a memory structure, the interior electrode materialcomprises carbon, carbon nitride, doped polysilicon, a metal, aconductive metal nitride, a conductive metal silicide, or a combinationthereof.

In one example of a memory structure, the interior electrode materialsubstantially circumscribes the interior conductive channel.

In one example of a memory structure, the interior electrode material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory structure, individual memory layers furthercomprise an exterior conductive material, the chalcogenide materialbeing positioned between the interior conductive channel and theexterior conductive material.

In one example of a memory structure, the exterior conductive materialcomprises tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalumnitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride (TiN),titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN),molybdenum nitride (MoN), or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory structure, the exterior conductive materialsubstantially circumscribes the chalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory structure, a portion of the exteriorconductive material is configured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory structure, the exterior conductive materialis configured as a bitline.

In one example of a memory structure, individual memory layers furthercomprise an exterior electrode material between the exterior conductivematerial and the chalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory structure, the exterior electrode materialcomprises carbon, carbon nitride, doped polysilicon, a metal, aconductive metal nitride, a conductive metal silicide, or a combinationthereof.

In one example of a memory structure, the exterior electrode materialsubstantially circumscribes the chalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory structure, the exterior electrode material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example, there is provided a memory device, comprising, an arrayof memory structures, comprising a plurality of interior conductivechannels, a plurality of first level memory cells within a first memorylayer, individual first level memory cells comprising chalcogenidematerial substantially circumscribing individual interior conductivechannels at the first memory layer, and a plurality of second levelmemory cells within a second memory layer, individual second levelmemory cells comprising chalcogenide material substantiallycircumscribing individual interior conductive channels at the secondmemory layer. The memory device further comprises a first level decoderelectrically coupled in a first direction to first level memory cellsand a second level decoder electrically coupled in a second direction tosecond level memory cells.

In one example of a memory device, individual interior conductivechannels comprise tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni),tantalum nitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride(TiN), titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride(TiAlN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory device, wherein individual interiorconductive channels are configured as individual wordlines.

In one example of a memory device, the chalcogenide material comprisesgermanium, antimony, tellurium, silicon, nickel, gallium, arsenic,silver, tin, gold, lead, bismuth, indium, selenium, oxygen, sulphur,nitrogen, carbon, yttrium, scandium, and combinations thereof.

In one example of a memory device, the chalcogenide material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory device, the first memory layer and the secondmemory layer are separated by a dielectric layer.

In one example of a memory device, individual memory cells in the firstmemory layer and the second memory layer further comprise an interiorelectrode material between the chalcogenide material and the interiorconductive channel.

In one example of a memory device, the interior electrode materialcomprises carbon, carbon nitride, doped polysilicon, a metal, aconductive metal nitride, a conductive metal silicide, or a combinationthereof.

In one example of a memory device, the interior electrode material ofindividual memory cells substantially circumscribes a correspondinginterior conductive channel.

In one example of a memory device, the interior electrode material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory device, individual memory cells in the firstmemory layer and the second memory layer further comprise an exteriorconductive material, the chalcogenide material of individual memorycells being positioned between the interior conductive channel and theexterior conductive material.

In one example of a memory device, the exterior conductive materialcomprises tungsten (W), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalumnitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride (TiN),titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN),molybdenum nitride (MoN), or a combination thereof.

In one example of a memory device, the exterior conductive material ofindividual memory cells substantially circumscribes the chalcogenidematerial.

In one example of a memory device, a portion of the exterior conductivematerial of individual memory cells is configured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory device, the exterior conductive material ofindividual memory cells forms individual bitlines for individual memorycells.

In one example of a memory device, individual memory cells in the firstmemory layer and the second memory layer are electrically coupled tocorresponding first level and second level decoders at the exteriorconductive material.

In one example of a memory device, individual memory cells in the firstmemory layer and the second memory layer further comprise an exteriorelectrode material between the exterior conductive material and thechalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory device, the exterior electrode materialcomprises carbon, carbon nitride, doped polysilicon, a metal, aconductive metal nitride, a conductive metal silicide, or a combinationthereof.

In one example of a memory device, the exterior electrode materialsubstantially circumscribes the chalcogenide material.

In one example of a memory device, the exterior electrode material isconfigured in an annular shape.

In one example of a memory device, the first level decoder and thesecond level decoder are configured as bitline decoders.

In one example of a memory device, the first level decoder and thesecond level decoder are positioned about a perimeter of the array ofmemory structures.

In one example of a memory device, the first direction and the seconddirection are oriented at from 80° to 100° relative to one another.

In one example of a memory device, the first direction and the seconddirection are oriented at from 40° to 50° relative to one another.

In one example of a memory device, the memory device further comprisesan interior conductive channel decoder electrically coupled toindividual interior conductive channels.

In one example of a memory device, the interior conductive channeldecoder is positioned beneath the first and second memory layers andwithin the perimeter of the array of memory structures.

In one example, there is provided a computing system, comprising amotherboard and a memory device as described herein operably coupled tothe motherboard.

In one example of a computing system, the computing system comprises adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a wearabledevice, a server, or a combination thereof.

In one example of a computing system, the computing system furthercomprises a processor, a memory device, a heat sink, a radio, a slot, aport, or a combination thereof operably coupled to the motherboard.

In one example, there is provided a method of manufacturing a memorystructure, comprising forming a plurality of alternating dielectriclayers and memory layers, individual memory layers comprising achalcogenide material, and forming a conductive channel through theplurality of alternating dielectric layers and memory layers, whereinthe conductive channel is substantially circumscribed by thechalcogenide material.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, formingindividual memory layers comprises forming an exterior conductivematerial layer prior to forming the chalcogenide material.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the exterior conductive materiallayer to form an exterior electrode recess and forming an exteriorelectrode material in the exterior electrode recess.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, theexterior conductive material layer substantially circumscribes theexterior electrode material.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the exterior electrode materialto form a chalcogenide recess and forming the chalcogenide material inthe chalcogenide recess.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, theexterior electrode material substantially circumscribes the chalcogenidematerial.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the chalcogenide material toform an interior electrode recess and forming an interior electrodematerial in the interior electrode recess.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, thechalcogenide material substantially circumscribes the interior electrodematerial.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the interior electrode materialto form a segment of an interior conductive channel trench.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises filling the interior conductive channel trench withinterior conductive channel material to form the interior conductivechannel.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, theinterior electrode material substantially circumscribes the interiorconductive channel.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the exterior conductive channellayer to form a chalcogenide recess and forming a chalcogenide materialin the chalcogenide recess.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the chalcogenide material toform an exterior electrode recess and a separate interior electroderecess and forming electrode material in both the exterior electroderecess and the separate interior electrode recess to form an exteriorelectrode material and an interior electrode material.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, theexterior electrode material substantially circumscribes the chalcogenidematerial.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, thechalcogenide material substantially circumscribes the interior electrodematerial.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, theinterior electrode material and the exterior electrode material areformed simultaneously.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises removing a portion of the interior electrode materialto form a segment of an interior conductive channel trench.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, the methodfurther comprises filling the interior conductive channel trench withinterior conductive channel material to form the interior conductivechannel.

In one example of a method of manufacturing a memory device, theinterior electrode material substantially circumscribes the interiorconductive channel.

While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of thepresent technology in one or more particular applications, it will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerousmodifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be madewithout the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing fromthe principles and concepts of the technology.

What is claimed is:
 1. A memory device comprising: a conductive channel;a plurality of memory cells along the conductive channel, each of theplurality of memory cells including: a layer of chalcogenide materialhaving an annular shape around the conductive channel, and an electrodematerial having an annular shape between the layer of chalcogenidematerial and the conductive channel; and layers of a conductive materialalternating with layers of an insulating material around the conductivechannel, the layers of the conductive material including an annularportion that circumscribes the layer of chalcogenide material andprotruding portions extending outwardly in opposite directions from theannular portion; wherein each of the plurality of memory cells includesa second electrode material between the layer of chalcogenide materialand one of the layers of conductive material.
 2. The memory device ofclaim 1, wherein: the layer of chalcogenide material is selected from:Ge—Te, In—Se, Sb—Te, Ge—Sb, Ga—Sb, In—Sb, As—Te, Al—Te, Ge—Sb—Te,Te—Ge—As, In—Sb—Te, In—Se—Te, Te—Sn—Se, Ge—Se—Ga, Bi—Se—Sb, Ga—Se—Te,Sn—Sb—Te, In—Sb—Ge, Te—Ge—Sb—S, Te—Ge—Sn—O, Te—Ge—Sn—Au, Pd—Te—Ge—Sn,In—Se—Ti—Co, Ge—Sb—Te—Pd, Ge—Sb—Te—Co, Sb—Te—Bi—Se, Ag—In—Sb—Te,Ge—Sb—Se—Te, Ge—Sn—Sb—Te, Ge—Te—Sn—Ni, Ge—Te—Sn—Pd, or Ge—Te—Sn—Pt. 3.The memory device of claim 2, wherein: the layer of chalcogenidematerial is doped with: indium, yttrium, scandium, boron, nitrogen,oxygen, or a combination thereof.
 4. The memory device of claim 1,wherein: the conductive channel is configured as a bitline or awordline.
 5. The memory device of claim 1, wherein: the layers of theconductive material are configured as bitlines or wordlines.
 6. Thememory device of claim 1, wherein: the conductive channel includes amaterial selected from: copper (Cu), carbon (C), tungsten (W), tungstencarbide (WC), graphene, diamond-like carbon (DLC), aluminum (Al),aluminum copper alloy (AlCu), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni),tantalum nitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride(TiN), titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride(TiAlN), molybdenum nitride (MoN), ruthenium (Ru), ruthenium nitride(RuN), or a combination thereof.
 7. The memory device of claim 1,wherein: the layers of the conductive material include a materialselected from: copper (Cu), carbon (C), tungsten (W), tungsten carbide(WC), graphene, diamond-like carbon (DLC), aluminum (Al), aluminumcopper alloy (AlCu), tungsten nitride (WN), nickel (Ni), tantalumnitride (TaN), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), titanium nitride (TiN),titanium silicon nitride (TiSiN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN),molybdenum nitride (MoN), ruthenium (Ru), and ruthenium nitride (RuN),or a combination thereof.
 8. The memory device of claim 1, wherein: theelectrode material is selected from: carbon (C), carbon nitride (CxNy),n-doped polysilicon, p-doped polysilicon, metal, conductive metalnitride, conductive metal silicide, conductive metal silicide nitride,conductive metal carbide nitride, and conductive metal oxide, or acombination thereof.
 9. The memory device of claim 1, wherein: each ofthe plurality of memory cells includes a lamina material between theelectrode material and the layer of chalcogenide material.
 10. Thememory device of claim 1, wherein: the layers of the insulating materialinclude a dielectric material.
 11. The memory device of claim 10,wherein: the dielectric material is selected from: silicon oxide,silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, silicon carbide, and undopedsilicon, or a combination thereof.
 12. The memory device of claim 1,wherein: each of the plurality of memory cells includes a laminamaterial between the second electrode material and the layer ofchalcogenide material.
 13. The memory device of claim 1, wherein: thelayer of chalcogenide material comprises an ALD chalcogenide.
 14. Amemory device, comprising: an array of memory structures comprising: aplurality of conductive channels, a first memory layer including a firstplurality of memory cells, a second memory layer including a secondplurality of memory cells, each of the first and second plurality ofmemory cells including a layer of chalcogenide material having anannular shape around one of the plurality of conductive channels, and anelectrode material having an annular shape between the layer ofchalcogenide material and the conductive channel, layers of a conductivematerial alternating with layers of an insulating material around theconductive channels, the layers of the conductive material including anannular portion that circumscribes the layer of chalcogenide materialand protruding portions extending outwardly in opposite directions fromthe annular portion, and wherein each of the first and second pluralityof memory cells includes a second electrode material between the layerof chalcogenide material and one of the layers of conductive material.15. The memory device of claim 14, further comprising: a first leveldecoder electrically coupled in a first direction to first plurality ofmemory cells; and a second level decoder electrically coupled in asecond direction to the second plurality of memory cells.
 16. The memorydevice of claim 15, wherein: the first level decoder and the secondlevel decoder include bitline decoders.
 17. The memory device of claim15, wherein: the first level decoder and the second level decoder arepositioned about a perimeter of the array of memory structures.
 18. Thememory device of claim 14, further comprising: a conductive channeldecoder electrically coupled to the plurality of conductive channels.19. The memory device of claim 18, wherein: the conductive channeldecoder includes a wordline decoder.
 20. The memory device of claim 18,wherein: the conductive channel decoder is positioned about a perimeterof the array of memory structures.
 21. The memory device of claim 18,wherein: the conductive channel decoder is positioned beneath the arrayof memory structures.
 22. The memory device of claim 14, wherein: thelayer of chalcogenide material comprises an ALD chalcogenide.
 23. Asystem comprising: a processor; and a memory device coupled with theprocessor, the memory device including: a conductive channel, aplurality of memory cells along the conductive channel, each of theplurality of memory cells including: a layer of chalcogenide materialhaving an annular shape around the conductive channel, and an electrodematerial having an annular shape between the layer of chalcogenidematerial and the conductive channel, layers of a conductive materialalternating with layers of an insulating material around the conductivechannel, the layers of the conductive material including an annularportion that circumscribes the layer of chalcogenide material andprotruding portions extending outwardly in opposite directions from theannular portion, and wherein each of the plurality of memory cellsincludes a second electrode material between the layer of chalcogenidematerial and one of the layers of conductive material.
 24. The system ofclaim 23, further comprising one or more of: a heat sink, a radio, aslot, and a port.